Facilitator Notes: According to the SMOG test, the following text is written at about a Grade 9 or 10 reading level, or literacy level 2 and can be read using assisted or choral reading techniques. In assisted reading, facilitator and learners take turns reading parts of the text, whereas choral reading involves reading together. These techniques are described further in Section 2 of the manual of the Nova Scotia Tutor & Instructor Training and Certification Program.
Learner Activity
Visiting your Health Provider
We all see doctors, nurses or pharmacists at one time or another. These visits are usually important, so it is good to communicate well and to take an active role in our own health care.
In the past, people simply answered questions and followed directions. Today, we are expected to take more responsibility for our health care by forming a partnership with the provider we are seeing. This takes time and effort for all people involved, and fortunately there are tips that can help get you started.
Be prepared: Make a list of your concerns. Make a list of what you want to discuss and put the important ones first. Take along your health card and all your medications to every visit. Some people prefer to bring these in a bag. Let the doctor or nurse know if a certain disease or condition runs in your family and ask how to help prevent it.